Rhea, Illycaffè and Arbitrade have partnered to launch a new hospitality concept at Barcelona’s El Prat Airport, aiming to provide travellers with a high-quality, sustainable coffee break experience.

Free-standing rhFS2 and rhFS1 machines from Rhea, equipped with patented induction technology, have been installed in high-traffic areas across the airport, which sees over 55 million passengers annually. These machines offer a range of beverage options to suit international tastes and are designed for quick and intuitive use – catering to the fast-paced nature of airport environments.

The collaboration brings together Rhea’s customisation and vending expertise, Illycaffè’s reputation for Italian coffee and Arbitrade’s role in Spain’s vending market. The energy-efficient machines are intended to reduce environmental impact while maintaining beverage quality.

Andrea Pozzolini, CEO of Rhea, said: “With this project, we once again bring our vision of hospitality to places of mobility, creating spaces where design, technology and creative recipes come together to offer an experience of taste and comfort, making each stop a special moment before resuming the journey."

César Ouro, CEO of Rheavendors Apliven, added: “We’re excited to bring the combined experience of Rhea, Illy and Arbitrade to Barcelona Airport. This synergy allows us to offer travelers a superior level of service, with solutions that combine innovation, efficiency and environmental awareness, helping to raise the standard of café service within the airport."

Francesco Bosso, chief commercial officer of Illycaffè, added: "This project with Rhea and Arbitrade at Barcelona El Prat airport represents a significant step in expanding our presence in the travel retail and vending channel, while remaining true to our values of excellence and premium brand positioning."